Dreadlocks or locs have been around for a long time. They have been sported by nearly every culture at some point in history.
However, few people are aware of the origins and the cultural, spiritual, and sometimes political contexts people have for sporting dreadlocks.
A Spiritual Affiliation with Dreadlocks
The culture of growing dreadlocks dates back to early historical references found in India. Holy men, called Sadhus, allowed their uncombed and uncut hair to mat into distinctive locks.
It has been suggested that early Christians maintained their dreadlocks to set themselves apart as a consecrated people. Samson, the historical Biblical figure, is believed to have derived his superhuman strength from his dreadlocks.
Ancient Dreadlocks
Anthropologists have found mummies with their dreaded hair still intact, providing evidence that the custom of wearing locs existed in ancient Egypt. Some sources credit the oldest historical record of an African tribe rocking dreadlocks to priests belonging to the Ethiopian Coptic religion.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, it is still common for the Maasai warriors to spend hours perfecting their famous red locs.
Today’s Fashionable Dreadlocks
In more modern times, dreads were worn by devout Rastafarians as a sign of strict devotion to their beliefs. The modern fascination with dreadlocks was inspired by Rastafarian culture popularized by reggae music and in particular popular figures such as, Bob Marley.
Although celebrities like Zendaya, Brandy, and Kylie Jenner have adopted this style as a fashion statement, dreadlocks have long been associated with a spiritual or political culture with is as old as history itself.